BIOGRAPHY

Jeanmaire was born as Pauline Georgette Vitry in Montier-en-Der, Haute-Marne, Grand Est, France, on 13 January 1857. Her parents were Louis Vitry and Pauline Lombardot. She had at least four siblings (two brothers and two sisters).

On 23 October 1877, in the village where she was born, Jeanmaire married her husband, Arthur, and had at least three children: Cecile, Denise, and Henri.

Jeanmaire’s sister Helene Vitry died several months before reaching the age of 101.

Jeanmaire died in Enghien-les-Bains, Val-d’Oise, Île-de-France, on 6 June 1968 at the age of 111 years, 145 days.

RECOGNITION

It is believed that Jeanmaire became the oldest living person in France following the death of 110-year-old Ferdinise Nébolle from the overseas department of Martinique. However, Nébolle’s age has not been validated.

In January 1967, Jeanmaire celebrated her 110th birthday, becoming the first confirmed supercentenarian in continental France, and second in all departments (since Nébolle of Martinique celebrated her 110th birthday in May 1965).

On 21 March 1968, Jeanmaire became the oldest known living person in Europe, following the death of 111-year-old John Turner of England. She held the title for two months until her own death in June 1968. She was succeeded by Marie Bernátková of Czechoslovakia (present-day Czech Republic).

At the time of her death, Jeanmaire was the second-oldest validated living person in the world after Narcissa Rickman of the United States.

ATTRIBUTION

* Personnes françaises les plus âgées de tous les temps – Les Centenaires Français

* Pauline “Georgette” Vitry – Geneanet

GALLERY